Rhys is dancing on air

Wonder boy: from stage star to national champion Rhys Yeomans is at the top of his game

LIFE is hectic for a West End star from Oldham who has gone from schoolboy to national dance champion.

Hulme Grammar pupil Rhys Yeomans has already performed in the starring role in the London production of “Billy Elliott”. Now he’s officially been crowned the cream of the crop in ballet and modern dance after clinching victory at the English Dance Championships.

Just like his on-stage character, 13-year-old Rhys has blossomed from an energetic pupil into a talented dancing star. Learning the routines in only five weeks he romped to victory and lifted the trophy in both disciplines during the junior finals held in Sale.

Mum Jo-Anne said: “He’s just such a good kid.

“Anything he sets out to do he achieves, it’s amazing.

“He really puts his heart and soul into everything and it pays off.”

The talented dancer has now come to the end of his three-year stint in the hit feel-good musical.

But he’s not had a minute’s rest since.

As well as juggling school life and working through breaks to get his homework done, he’s also intent on making waves in the world of big-budget movies.

With fingers firmly crossed, he’s now on his third audition for a role in the upcoming film version of “Les Miserables”.

Rhys is also making his first foray into pop working with Sting’s songwriter to pen tracks that he has uploaded on to YouTube.

And if that wasn’t enough, the local lad will also crop up in next year’s Littlewoods catalogue modelling a BMX bike after being awarded a contract by them.

Mum Jo-Anne added: “I keep telling him that he needs to take a break but he’s always on the go.

“I’m so proud of him, his work ethic is brilliant.”